ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Road Transport sector helping the common man during the lock-down period
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken up the social responsibility of helping people on the roads during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19. Soon after the announcement by the Prime Minister on the 24th last month, field units of the Ministry across the length and breadth of the country were urged to extend necessary help to their workers/ labours and the common people.
All the field units and offices of the Ministry, as well as the associated organizations NHAI and NHIDCL came forward to help mitigate the difficulties of the people. Reports are continually pouring in from several parts of the country on how people were helped in great ways.
In Maharashtra, when a large number of people started to move to their native places in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh & other states on this weekend,and were moving ahead with kids and family members under scorching sun, they were offered food and water by the Thane unit. A local NGO ‘SamataVicharPrasarakSansthwas also roped in to help in distribution of food packets.
Similarly, in Prayagraj district of UP, many labourers and truck drivers got stuck on Highways due to lock-down. They were without food and water. In such a condition, the Project Directorate undertook on itself the responsibility of feeding them. The benevolent work is continuing due to owning up of responsibility by all officers and staff members of the directorate. Similar stories have come in from the Fatehpur district of UP, where a large number of people and truck drivers were stranded, and had no food due to closing of roadside eateries. Local Field office came forward and provided food and water to mitigating public.
In Trichi district of Tamil Nadu, NHAI patrolling team found five people at Palur on the National Highway No. 45. They were immediately given food and water, and were provided face masks for their safety. They were then taken to the nearby shelter, where they are being looked after well till date.
The NHAI concessionaire at Wardha in Maharashtra is sheltering about 50 people since the beginning of the lock-down. Due to closure of roadside restaurants, drivers and commuters on essential duties were facing difficulty in getting food and water. Food, water, hand wash facilities are being provided to these people on regular basis while taking care of social distancing and sanitation.
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of ‘6.17% GS 2021’, Auction for Sale  of ‘7.27% GS 2026’, Auction for Sale  of ‘6.45% GS 2029’, Auction for Sale  of ‘7.62% GS 2039’, and Auction for Sale  of ‘7.63% GS 2059’.
The Government of India has announced the Sale  of  ‘6.17 per cent Government Stock, 2021’ for a notified amount of Rs 2,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘7.27 per cent Government Stock, 2026’ for a notified amount of Rs 2,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘6.45 per cent Government Stock, 2029’ for a notified amount of Rs 7,000 crore  through price based auction, ‘7.62 per cent Government Stock, 2039’ for a notified amount of Rs 1,000 crore  through price based auction, and  ‘7.63 per cent Government Stock, 2059’ for a notified amount of Rs 4,000 crore  through price based auction. Subject to the limit of Rs 16,000 crore, being total notified amount, GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to
Rs 1,000 crore each against anyone or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on January 17, 2020 .
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on January 17, 2020. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and12.30 p.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on January 17, 2020  and payment by successful bidders will be on January 20, 2020 .
The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Special Service and Features
Seizure of 2.845 kgs Gold worth Rs. 1.25 crore and assorted electronic goods worth Rs. 14 lakhs by Chennai Air Customs
Based on intelligence, three male passengers who arriveq from Dubai by Emirates Airlines flight EK-544 on 11.10.2022, were intercepted by Chennai Air Customs Officers. On personal search, three gold cut bits, one on each person, totally weighing 240 grams were found concealed in their inner pant pockets. On search of their check-in-baggage, 66 Gold moulds, 22 with each person, totally weighing 2.605 Kgs was found concealed in Apple AirPods Pro brought by them. Further, assorted electronic goods valued at Rs.14 lakhs were also recovered.
Totally, Gold weighing 2.845 kgs of 24K purity valued at Rs.1.25 crores and assorted electronic goods valued at Rs. 14 lakhs were seized from three passengers under the Customs Act, 1962.
Further investigation is under progress, according to a press release issued by M.Mathew Jolly, Pr. Commissioner o ustoms Chennai Internatioal Airport.
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Ministry of Earth Sciences
NCPOR to celebrate 23rd foundation day on 5 April
Goa, 3 April 2023
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research  will be celebrating its 23rd Foundation Day on April 5, 2023. The event will take place at the NCPOR campus in Headland Sada, Vasco, Goa, and will be presided over by Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, as the Chief Guest. The Foundation Day lecture will be delivered by Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director of the National Remote Sensing Centre at the Indian Space Research Organisation. Over 250 distinguished guests, including heads of institutes, professors, principals, and senior faculty members from various organizations across Goa are also expected to be in attendance.
Understanding the polar regions is of paramount importance to the future of Indian society, as they exert a significant influence over our climate systems and possess substantial economic and geopolitical significance. With a mission to establish a visible and influential presence of India in the polar regions, the NCPOR has played a pivotal role in safeguarding our strategic interests in the global framework of nations engaged in the study of the polar regions and surrounding oceans.
NCPOR's unwavering commitment to polar and ocean research ensures that India remains at the forefront of global scientific efforts, safeguarding our national interests, and contributing to a better understanding of our planet. The institute's dedication to connecting scientists with society through its Outreach and Cooperation program ensures that the benefits of its research reach the public.
About NCPOR
Established in 2000, NCPOR, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, was created to manage national expeditions and strategic interests in polar regions. Over the last two decades, NCPOR has gained national and international recognition as the premier Indian Polar Institute, and the Foundation Day celebration provides an opportune time to reflect on its significant accomplishments and their profound relevance to the nation.
NCPOR has made significant strides in research and infrastructure development in the polar regions. The institute leads the strategically important Deep Ocean Mission project, which is the torchbearer of India's "Blue Economy." NCPOR operates two remote stations in Antarctica - Maitri and Bharati, one in the Arctic - Himadri, and one in the Himalayas - Himansh. It also manages a floating oceanographic platform called Sagar Kanya. Moreover, the institute spearheads several geoscientific programs of great national significance.| PIB Panaji | Gautam SK/D.Rane
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Special Service and Features
1.01 kg gold worth Rs.49 lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs. One arrested.
Based on intelligence one HaroonRashith, 22, of Chennai, who arrived from Dubai by Fly Dubai flight FZ-8515 was intercepted at exit on suspicion of carrying gold. On personal search,two heavy packets wrapped with black adhesive tapewere recovered from his pant pocket. On cut opening six gold cut bits weighing 350 grams valued at Rs. 17 lakhs were recovered and seized under Customs Act.
In another case, one Mohammed Manas,25, of Ramanathapuram who arrived from Sharjah by Indigo flight 6E-8245 was intercepted at exit. On personal search three bundles of gold paste weighing 740 grams were recovered from rectum. On extraction 660 grams of gold valued at Rs. 32 lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act. He was arrested.
Total 1.01 kgof gold worth Rs.49 lakhs seized under Customs Act in two cases by Chennai Air Customs. One arrested.
Further investigation is under progress.
This stated press release issued by Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
4th Edition of Indian Chemicals Council  Sustainability Conclave inaugurated today at New Delhi
Government is working with Industries and is always open to feedback and suggestions, says Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals
Secretary Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals Shri Arun Baroka inaugurated 4th edition of Indian Chemicals Council  Sustainability Conclave on the theme of ‘boardrooms to Community-ESG, Carbon Neutrality, Operational Safety, Greener Solutions’ today at New Delhi.
The two-day event promotes sustainability in the management of the entire life cycle of chemicals. It is being organized jointly with United Nations Environment Program  and International Council of Chemical Associations  with due support of Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
Addressing the inaugural session, Shri Arun Baroka expressed confidence that the thoughts presented in the conclave will provide great takeaways. He commended the ICC for the conclave on sustainability. Shri Baroka also stated that India has already discussed the issues of climate and sustainability and we should work for achieving the goals ourselves without waiting for any assistance from outside.
The Secretary also touched upon the initiatives of the government such as PLI schemes, Government’s working with Industries and creating ‘Ease of doing business’ environment. He added that the government is trying to do whatever is possible and feedback is always welcome.
Talking about safety and standards, Shri Baroka said that small steps of safety are important for sustainable development. He said that one accident can create a problem for humans, Industry and the environment so steps for safety should be taken.
Chief, Chemicals & Health Branch, UNEP Ms Jacqueline Alvarez stated that it is not just about pollution and chemicals but we are talking about life, social development and economic sustainable growth here. She further stated that we are talking about incentives, alternatives not just legacies but future. She added ‘Be ambitious, think globally and act locally’.
Various speakers expressed their views on climate, sustainable development and the steps that could be taken in this direction.
Mr Ashwin C Shroff, Chairman and MD, Excel Industries Ltd, Mr Nitin Desai, Chairman, Governing Council TERI, Mr Bimal L Goculdas, President, ICC and MD & CEO, DMCC Speciality Chemicals Ltd. CEOs and representatives of the Indian and global chemical companies, people working in EHS dept. in companies; Central and State Government officials, Pollution Control Boards, international multilateral organizations, Global chemical industry bodies and experts from Academia and civil society organizations are participating in the event.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal spends the New Years Day with the children at Prerna Child Home in Dibrugarh
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal spent the new year's day with the children of Prerna Children Home at Dibrugarh today. On the occasion, Shri Sonowal distributed books to the children and wished them the best in the ensuing year. The children also enthralled the audience, including Sonowal, with their varied performance on the stage.
Speaking on the occasion,Shri Sonowal said, "The brightness and hopefulness in the eyes of the children is the true reflection of the novelty. They are the future of our country. Let their dreams take wings to reach the destination of reality. The simplicity & sincerity of the children has touched my heart. I wish them all the very best to explore newer possibilities."
The Union Minister was accompanied by the MLA of Dibrugarh, Prasanta Phukan, and other officials of Dibrugarh Development Authority.
Ministry of Education
Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar to address the valedictory session of UNESCO India Africa Hackathon
The Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar will be addressing the valedictory session of UNESCO India Africa Hackathon as a Chief Guest at Gautam Buddha University, Uttar Pradesh tomorrow at 11am.. Union Education & Skill Development Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt. Anandiben Patel; Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath; Ast Director General , UNESCO, Mr Firmin Edouard Matoko and Ministers of the 13 African Countries will grace the occasion.
UNESCO India Africa Hackathon was inaugurated at Gautam Buddha University with a grand opening ceremony on 22nd November, 2022. The UNESCO INDIA – AFRICA Hackathon is an annual 36 hours event that brings together students, educators, teachers, and the research community of India and its African partners to tackle the common challenges faced by their countries and serves as a facilitator for cultural amalgamation.
The UNESCO INDIA – AFRICA Hackathon provides a suitable platform allowing young innovators to come together and find solutions for social, environmental and technical problems faced by the collaborating nations. It serves as the foundation for creating potential start-ups with the potential to transform the world. It allows the participating students to unleash their creativity and explore new technologies to solve real-world problems under the guidance of experts - thus, spearheading business innovation in the modern world.
The Hackathon also serves as a symbol of the close relations cherished by India and its African counterparts and embodies the spirit of collaboration - bringing them together to solve problems for the betterment of humankind.
Ministry of External Affairs
Cabinet approves signing and ratifying of the Extradition Treaty between India and Belgium
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing and ratifying of the Extradition Treaty between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of Belgium.
Salient Features
The following are the salient features of the Treaty:-
- Obligation to Extradite
Each Party agrees to extradite to the other any person found in its territory, who is accused or convicted of an extraditable offence in the territory of the other Party.
- Extraditable Offences
An extraditable offence means an offence punishable under the laws of both the Parties with imprisonment for a period of one year or more severe punishment. Where extradition is sought in respect of a convicted person, the duration of the sentence remaining to be served must be at least six months at the time of making the request. Offences relating to taxation, or revenue or is one of a fiscal character also fall within the scope of this Treaty.
- Mandatory grounds for Refusal
Under the Treaty, extradition shall be refused if:
- the offence involved is a political offence. However, the Treaty specifies certain offences, which will not be considered as political offences.
- the offence for which extradition is requested is a military offence
- the request for prosecution has been made for the purpose of prosecuting or punishing the person on account of his race, sex, religion, nationality or political opinion.
- the prosecution of enforcement of sentence has become time barred.
 Extradition of Nationals
Extradition of nationals is discretionary. The nationality will be determined at the time the offence was committed.
Important Features
The Treaty inter-alia also contains provisions on:
- Assurance in case of Capital punishment )
- Central Authorities 
- Surrender 
- Handing over of Property 
- Transit 
- Protection of Personal Data 
- Expenses incurred in extradition 
- Consultations 
- Mutual legal assistance relating to extradition 
- Entry into Force Amendment and Termination of the Treaty 
Benefits
The Treaty would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders, and other criminals from and to Belgium. After ratification, the Treaty will enter into force from the date of exchange of instruments of ratification between India and Belgium.
Background
The new Extradition Treaty will replace the pre-Independence Extradition Treaty between Great Britain and Belgium of 1901 that was made applicable to India through the exchange of Letters in 1958 and is currently in force between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of Belgium. Due to the present procedural requirements and the fact that only limited number of offences are listed under the pre-Independence Treaty, the same has become obsolete in today’s context.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding amongst BRICS Nations on the Regional Aviation Partnership
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has today approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding  amongst BRICS Nations on the Regional Aviation Partnership Cooperation viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Salient features:
The objective is that BRICS countries would benefit from the establishing of an institutional framework to cooperate in the field of civil aviation. Among the areas of cooperation, following areas have been identified:
- Public Policies and best practices in regional services;
- Regional Airports;
- Airport infrastructure management and air navigation services;
- Technical cooperation between regulatory agencies;
- Innovation;
- Environment Sustainability; including deliberation of global initiatives;
- Qualification and Training;
- Other fields as mutually determined
Impact:
The MoU signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and other BRICS Member States and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges amongst the BRICS Nations.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID Cases and Sero Survey Status
India has one of the lowest cases per million population. It is 3445 for India as compared to 19295 for USA, 20146 for Brazil, 7283 for Russian Federation and 10929 for South Africa. However, cases per million population for India is high as compared to other countries in South East Asia
The low case fatality in India can be attributed to early case detection through community-based surveillance, containment measures including strict perimeter control, house-to-house case search & follow-up with monitoring of oxygen saturation, early referral to COVID treatment facilities and adequate case management.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.
Ministry of Power
PFC to provide lunch to Doctors and other Medical Staff engaged in treatment of COVID-19 patients
In yet another step to battle COVID-19 pandemic, Power Finance Corporation Ltd  , central PSU under Ministry of Power and India's leading NBFC, has tied up with TajSats, one of Asia’s largest food companies, to provide hygienic and nutritious food to frontline COVID warriors. As part of this endeavor, PFC will provide packed lunch boxes to Doctors and other Health Medical Staff engaged in treatment of COVID-19 patients at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi.
Under this initiative, the company has provided financial assistance of ₹ 64 lakh  to Taj STATS for supply of high-quality and hygienic food  to the Doctors and Medical Staff of Dr. RML Hospital on daily basis for a period of 60 days commencing from 25th May 2020.
The Ministry of Health has selected Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi as one of the hospitals dedicated to the treatment of COVID-19 where doctors and other health staff are providing round the clock medical and other health services to COVID-19 patients.
Earlier, PFC has contributed ₹ 200 crore to the PM-CARES Fund to support the battle against COVID-19. The employees of PFC have also come forward for the cause and have donated their one day salary to PM CARES Fund. Further, PFC has contributed ₹ 50,00,000  each to the District Collectors of Siddharth Nagar and Bulandsahar in Uttar Pradesh along with ₹ 50,00,000  to Indian Red Cross Society to provide medical equipment in Kota, Rajasthan.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
AWARENESS by National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation
In order to create awareness about the various schemes of NSKFDC and sensitization among its target group i.e., Safai Karamcharis, Waste pickers, Manual Scavengers and their dependants. NSKFDC has been taking following initiatives:-
- Awareness Camps: - In order to make target group aware about the schemes of the Corporation and to motivate them to avail the benefits under the schemes, awareness camps are organized in the basties of the target group of NSKFDC. NSKFDC is reimbursing upto Rs.30,000/-per awareness camp for organizing the Awareness Camps to its implementing agency.
- Loan Meals: - Loan meals are organized in various Urban Local Bodies  wherein the channelizing agencies are also invited. The schemes of NSKFDC and necessary documentation formalities involved in availing the loan are explained to the target group in these meals.
- Workshops: - NSKFDC also organizes sensitization cum awareness workshops in various Municipalities to create awareness about the provision of MS Act, 2013 and prevention of manual hazardous cleaning so as to minimize the incidents of manual hazardous cleaning.
- Recognition of Prior Learning Programme :- NSKFDC also organizes 5 days RPL programme to provide necessary orientation to the target group of NSKFDC on mechanized, improved and safe sanitation practices.
Besides the above, following interventions are also taken to raise awareness and sensitization about the schemes of NSKFDC:
- Radio Programme “Sawarti Jayeein Jeevan Ki Raahein” a regular feature on All India Radio by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India.
- Distribution of leaflets/brochures about training progrmames by the Training Institutes.
- Awareness during mobilization of candidates in their basties/localities for encouraging them for enrollment in training programme.
- Dissemination of information/creatives through social media handles of Department and Corporation and through print media.
Further, the implementing agencies at their own level also create awareness about the schemes of the corporation through advertisements in newspapers, pamphlets and through notices at Notice board of their departments.
The progress made under various awareness-cum-sensitization programmes during the last 5 years and current year is as under: -
|
|
S.No.
|
|
Particulars
|
|
Nos.
|
|
1.
|
|
Health-cum-Awareness Camps
|
|
294
|
|
2.
|
|
Loan Melas
|
|
43
|
|
3.
|
|
Workshops
|
|
1177
|
|
4.
|
|
Recognition of Prior Learning 

|
|
50118
This information was given by Minister of State for Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Shri A. Narayanaswamy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.